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Facial Procedures

Otoplasty in Palo Alto

Otoplasty, a surgical procedure used to correct defects of the ear, is among the more common plastic surgical procedures available today, particularly in the pediatric and adolescent patient group. The operation known as Otoplasty involves reshaping or reforming the ear. The most common condition that warrants Otoplasty is the prominent ear, even though other ear malformations exist. The prominent ear is one that protrudes or “sticks out too far” from the head and lacks the typical (anti-helical) ear fold. However, there are many different types of ear deformities, ranging from a slight protrusion to complete absence of the external ear. As with many cosmetic procedures, there are multiple options for treatment based upon the particular abnormality. Discussing your goals and limitations with Dr. Papalian will allow you to have all of the options presented, not just one.

Children born with protruding ears often become the subject of cruel taunts and teasing from peers. One of the primary reasons patients seek Plastic Surgery to correct protruding or overly large ears, is a result of “name calling” by other children. Corrective Otoplasty can be performed as soon as the ear is fully formed, usually by age five or six. Correction of the abnormality can therefore be accomplished before the child begins school.

While Otoplasty is typically accomplished in the pediatric age range, the procedure can also be accomplished in the adolescent and adult population. Often patients have wanted to have their prominent ears corrected earlier in life, but they were not able to until adulthood. This correction later in life also leads to very satisfied patients and can easily be accomplished.

The Otoplasty procedure for prominent ears is a well-tolerated procedure with rapid recovery. In the pediatric age group, general anesthesia will be used, however for adolescents and adults the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. More advanced ear deformities can require multiple stages for reconstruction. Having a comprehensive and trusted consultation by Dr. Papalian, with 20 years of Plastic Surgery experience, will ensure you that you going to have all of the options presented in a thoughtful manner. You will have all the information needed to make the right decision for you. At the time of Your Consultation a personalized treatment plan will be developed.

Rhinoplasty in Palo Alto

Each year, thousands of women and men choose nasal surgery or Rhinoplasty, to help create or restore a more balanced appearance to the nose. While the shape of one’s nose is usually the result of heredity, the appearance may have also been altered by an injury or accident. Rhinoplasty improves the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony. The “ideal” nose is one that is in proportion with the other favorable features of your face, not “someone else’s face.” Rhinoplasty can be combined with other procedures, such as Chin Implant, when there is a need and desire to change the shape and proportions of the facial appearance. Cosmetic surgery of the nose may also be performed simultaneously with procedures to correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities inside the nose.

The “ideal” shape for the female and male nose is an aesthetic concept that has its roots in the perception of beauty. This cannot be reduced down to lines and numbers. There are always “artistic” and experience elements to successful Rhinoplasty surgery. Experience and trust in your surgeon are critical elements for any procedure, but are most important when surgery is being considered on the facial region.

Dr. Papalian performs the most current Rhinoplasty techniques. The “scar-less” closed Rhinoplasty as well as the “open approach”, utilizing a small incision at the base of the nose, should both be considered during your consultation. Which technique will be recommended is based on your particular findings and goals. Consideration of nostril opening height and nasal base width, as well as possible cartilage grafts to the nasal tip, should be discussed at the time of your consultation. As with most cosmetic procedures, there are multiple choices for Rhinoplasty. Discussing your concerns with Dr. Papalian will allow you to have all of the options presented, not just one. An understanding of which procedure or technique best suits your particular situation will be developed together with Dr. Papalian during your consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside.

Rhinoplasty may be performed at any age. However it is important for the nasal bones to be fully formed and stable before undergoing Rhinoplasty. Therefore, it is optimal to defer surgery until the patient is 14-15 years old for girls and somewhat older for boys. Recovery from Rhinoplasty is typically rapid, with most patients taking one week off from work.

Having a comprehensive and trusted consultation by Dr. Papalian, with 20 years of Plastic Surgery experience, will ensure that you are going to have the options presented in a thoughtful manner, and that you will have the information needed to make the right decision for you. At the time of Your Consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed.

Facial Implants / Chin Implants in Palo Alto

Chin Augmentation procedures help bring balance to the facial structures by way of correcting a weak or recessive chin due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption, soft tissue loss, or even facial trauma. These procedures can be as simple as injecting a soft tissue augmentation filler to implanting a Chin Implant or having a reconstructive jaw procedure. Chin Implant surgery can correct a “weak chin”, bringing better harmony to the face and neck region. The Chin Implant surgery may be combined with other procedures, such as Neck Liposuction or Rhinoplasty, either at the same time as the Chin Implant or in a staged approach to provide a better balance.

Many different implants are available, manufactured from a variety of materials. There are implants that center the projection on the chin, while others add volume to the pre-jowl area. Implants can be used to help strengthen a jaw line or bring the chin into balance with the favorable features of the face. Patients may choose to improve other facial structures, such as the nose or neck region, in combination with Chin Implant surgery.

As with most cosmetic procedures, there are multiple choices when considering a Chin Implant. Your areas of concern, either chin height or projection, pre-jowl area, and/or chin/neck area, will help determine which implant or combination of procedures are most appropriate for you. Certain patients only require a simple chin implant, while others would benefit from combined neck liposuction with an “extended” chin implant. Discussing your goals and limitations with Dr. Papalian will allow you to have all of the options presented, both surgical and non-surgical, not just one.

Dr. Papalian utilizes different options for implants and facial contouring, offering minimally invasive and limited scar options. An understanding of which procedure or technique best suits your particular situation will be developed together with Dr. Papalian during your consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside.

Having a comprehensive and trusted consultation by Dr. Papalian, with 20 years of plastic surgery experience, will ensure that you are going to have all of the options presented in a thoughtful manner. You will have all the information needed to make the right decision for you. At the time of Your Consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed.

Additional Facial Procedures in Palo Alto

Additional procedures performed by Dr. Papalian include treatment of common problems such as skin cancer, “mole” removal, and repair of the torn earlobe. Most of these procedures are performed in the office, at The Plastic Surgery Center on Woodside, under local anesthesia.

An office consultation is required to evaluate your particular concern before your procedure can be scheduled in the office. Typically you will be able to shower and wash your hair after your minor facial procedure. You will likely be asked to return one week later for removal of your sutures and discussion of any pathology obtained. Generally, patients do not require any time off work for these minor procedures.